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Integrated Pest Management: Controlling Pests Safely
What is IPM and Why Should I Use It?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally friendly approach to eliminating pest problems. Identifying pests, determining how to avoid or correct problems, and managing pest populations through a variety of chemical, biological and cultural practices are all involved in a successful IPM program. IPM focuses on long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems, and minimizes the use of toxic pesticides. Misuse of pesticides can harm beneficial organisms and wildlife, as well as contaminate ground and surface waters. Chemical pesticides should be applied only in the amount necessary and only according to manufacturers' guidelines, and as a last resort.
How do I Practice IPM at Home?
Identify the problem. It is important to determine if a pest problem really exists. In home landscapes and gardens, damage to plants is more likely to be caused by environmental conditions, such as drought, nutrient deficiency, sunscald, or wind burn, than it is from pests.
Identify the pest. Once you have determined that there truly is a specific pest problem, learn more about it to find the best solution. The insect or pest may not actually be a problem and may not need to be controlled at all. For example, 90 percent of all insects are beneficial.
Take action. Deciding when to take action and apply treatments is based on information obtained by regularly monitoring the pest situation. Treat, prevent and control the pest using the least harmful methods. For example, use traps and mechanical devices to control pests before deciding on chemical controls. Targeting a specific pest can be more effective than using a broad-spectrum method of pest control, which will kill beneficial insects as well as the pest. If pesticides are used, apply them only according to label instructions.
Evaluate the situation. Review what went wrong and more importantly, what went right. Did the treatment work? Change your methods if necessary. Determine what you consider to be acceptable levels of pest damage before resorting to harmful approaches to pest control.
Where can I Learn More about IPM?
Call the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services at (603) 271-2047 or log on to www.des.state.nh.us.
Detailed information regarding IPM is available from University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Office, 59 College Road, Taylor Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824: (603) 862-1520.
Log on to http://ceinfo.unh.edu/Agric/AGPMP/PMPIPM.htm.
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